Northwest Georgia
The greens are fading into peak fall color – which will be exploding over the next week – in northwest Georgia.
Northern red oak and white oak are showing vibrant colors of maroon, orange, and red. Hickory and maple are primarily responsible for the vast swaths of yellow. Chestnut oak, beech, and birch are showing differing shades of bronze, yellow, or gold. Poplar leaves have been falling rapidly. Understory species such as sumac, sassafras, and sourwood continue to express vivid shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Peak color can be expected by the end of the first week of November.
ESTIMATED COLOR CHANGE:
- 85% above 3000’
- 70% below 3000’
SCENIC DRIVES: Take Hwy 136 from i75 to Hwy 341. Turn left on Hwy 341 / Hog Jawl Road. Continue on Hog Jawl through Mountain Cove Farms and up Daughtery Gap to Hwy 157. Turn right on Hwy 157. Turn right on Scenic Hwy 189 (or continue on Hwy 136 to Cloudland Canyon State Park). Follow Hwy 189 to Sunset Rock, Point Park, or Rock City. Drop down into Chattanooga via Ochs Hwy / 58. Turn right on Hwy 193 to get back to Hwy 136.
North Central Georgia
Peak fall colors are beginning to fade in north-central Georgia, especially in elevations above 3,000 feet across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The best displays are now shifting into the mountain valleys, foothills, and elevations under 3,000 feet. In lower terrains, overstory species such as oaks, maples, yellow poplar, hickories, and sweetgum are exploding with yellows and oranges, into the red and maroons. Vivid color change can be expected for the next 10-14 days or so, depending on mother nature of course. Also, sourwood, sumac, dogwood, sassafras, and redbud are adding incredible and vibrant displays in the understory in the lower elevations. Color is rapidly transitioning into excellent and spectacular viewing in mountain valleys, foothills, and lower elevations.
ESTIMATED COLOR CHANGE:
- 100% above 3000’
- 60% below 3000’
We saw a rapid and robust change from a green forest canopy to peak conditions above 3,000 feet in a very short period of time! Most elevations above 3,000 feet have surpassed peak fall color. No appreciable rainfall has occurred during the month of October in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north-central Georgia, leading to the trees casting leaves slightly quicker than normal. Also, widespread freezing temperatures across the upper elevations two weeks ago, led to the remarkably fast transition of colorful autumn displays, but also was a factor in the trees casting leaves more quickly.
SUGGESTED SCENIC DRIVE: There is plenty of vivid and outstanding color to be found between Dahlonega and Suches on State Route 60. Lake Zwerner in Dahlonega is offering some excellent views now. Make sure to stop by the overlook on State Route 60 between Dahlonega and Suches, and also Woody Gap on the Lumpkin/ Union County line. Another great option is State Route 52 from Dawsonville to Ellijay.
Northeast Georgia
At 3,000 feet and above, peak of fall color has been reached with all species and should provide great views for another week. While those will begin to fade over the next week, views are still spectacular at roadside and while on overlooks facing lower elevations. Oaks, hickories, and black gum are the show pieces with their yellows, orange and reds, while poplar, beech, and maple are beginning to fade.
Below 3000 feet is just getting into peak color and should provide a couple weeks of good viewing. All species are in their prime with only poplars, sweet gum, and sycamore beginning to fade.
ESTIMATED COLOR CHANGE:
- 100% above 3,000’
- 90% below 3,000’
Despite issues associated with drought and the hurricane, the current stable weather conditions have saved the season.
Expect good conditions over the next week in higher elevations and the next two weeks in lower elevations.
SCENIC DRIVES: The Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway is a great drive with excellent roadside and overlook views. When visiting these higher elevations make sure to check the forecast. Conditions can be sunny in the piedmont and cloudy/foggy in the mountains. Often times the fog doesn’t burn off until midday so take your time. It will take about an hour, but the drive to Sky Valley and Black Rock State Park are good to take after leaving the Richard B. Russell Parkway. The towns of Helen and/or Clayton are good places to stretch your legs and visit the local businesses.